Celebrating Children

There once was a man in American History named Charles Francis Adams—You may have heard of his father- our 6th president: John Quincy Adams. His Grandfather was John Adams, our 2nd president. That’s quite a family to be a part of!

Charles had a son— His name was Brooks.

On August 13, 1863, he wrote about a day he spent fishing with his son, Brooks, in his journal.

Adams wrote that he was "not much of a fisherman" and that he "did not expect to catch anything." That this was "A day wasted”.

The son, Brooks, also kept a diary. On the very same day, he wrote about a fishing trip with his father. He said that it was "the most wonderful day of my life." He described how they "talked and laughed" and how they "enjoyed the beauty of the day and being with each other."

The difference in these two men's conclusions of the day is striking. Charles Adams saw the fishing trip as a waste of time, while Brooks saw it as a day of great joy. This difference in perspective is likely due to the different priorities of the two men. Charles Adams was a busy man with a lot on his mind, while Brooks was a young boy who was simply happy to spend time with his father.

The fishing story of Charles Francis Adams is a reminder that the same event can be seen in different ways by different people. It is also a reminder that the quality of a day is not always determined by its perceived productivity. Sometimes, the best days are the ones that are spent simply enjoying the company of loved ones. While one man thought of it as a wasted day— the other considered it a day that was well invested.

What is the difference that would make someone see one thing— and another, who experienced the very same thing, see it totally differently? Purpose, I suppose.

In this— our second to last message in Matthew (Yeah!)— we are going to study just 3 little verses, but this is a very significant interaction that Jesus has with not only His disciples, but also some little children that have been brought to him. I love the way God works with us on things like this—Here we are on Father’s day--- as we embark tonight upon our Vacation Bible School activities this week— welcoming children from all over our community to come, learn, have some fun with us— and learn about how “stellar” Jesus really is. So here we are, in Matthew 19— beginning in verse 13:

Matthew 19:13 NIV

13 Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.

The verse specifically states that children were brought— and the nature of this word is “continuous”. Two other gospel writers actually explain it as folk “were bringing” there children to be blessed by Jesus. This was a common practice in Jesus’ day. Jewish people would bring their children to an esteemed Rabbi for this person to pray for the child= to bless them, and to ask God to give them a healthy and happy future.

Children were brought to Jesus for a blessing. (v.13)

Think of this a lot like what we did on Mother’s day— what an honor and blessing it was to be able to bless those parents and the children. I placed my hand on each little one— as Jesus would, and we prayed for a blessing on him/her. That’s right there in the passage also— They brought their child so that he could place his hands on them. What a thought— Jesus Christ, touching your child with his hand. You know what, they probably wanted those hands to touch their child— you know why? Because these parents had seen what those hands could do! Part of the lesson today for us is similar to that— do we really value our children, and want Jesus to touch them? Yes, and amen we do. These hands have healed blindness— fed 5000 or more. These hands have stilled the storms and rebuked the Pharisee’s. Man— I would want him to touch my children and pray for them too!

These parents were doing the right thing.

Mom, Dad— let me encourage you— get your kids to Jesus as soon as possible. Don’t overthink this. Get them to Jesus. Tell them about him, read the bible to them, talk about Jesus in their presence!

One of my earliest memories of my childhood— my Mom reading me bible stories out of a children’s story bible. I’ve never forgotten that.

Parents are partners with God in raising up children.

Dad’s — stand up. Let’s go, on your feet!

Happy Fathers Day!

You are one of the most important people in the world— to your family. Don’t ever give up, got it? We’re in this thing together, and we love you. Be blessed today with how ever your family may celebrate today— go fishing— go do something fun. But know this— you are a valued part of our church— you are a valued part of God’s plan in the world— but most importantly, you are partner with God in the work that HE wants to help you accomplish in the lives of your children. Alright, now sit down and remember you’re never alone, and that we love you— even when you may not get it right all the time— you’re not alone:

But the disciples…

Matthew 19:13 (NIV)

“But the disciples rebuked them.”

They rebuked them— both the parents and the kids. Really? All this time with him, and you don’t know his heart?

The disciples were somehow close to Jesus in time and proximity— sharing experiences and ministry with him— but somehow they missed his true heart for Children.

The disciples conclude that children are not yet worthy of the Savior’s time.

Why would they think that? Some scholars have speculated on this—

We could cut these guys a little bit of grace here— because it was really common in their culture— especially the Greco-Roman culture--- that childhood was an insignificant phase of a person’s life. No status, no possessions, no rights. Just a child.

Which seems a little strange to me— because we have to go through that phase in order to get to any other phase— Not that I want to go there too deeply— I think you get the point. How can it be insignificant, if it’s the only pathway to get to what is supposedly significant. Think about that for a little while. I think that is why Christians ought value all phases of humanity important and very significant.

But in these times, perhaps even as it is today with some— this was a marginalized segment of a person’s life— a marginalized group of people.

The disciples were influenced by culture.

The disciples were influenced by religion.

The ultra conservative Pharisee’s scorned children also. They believed that salvation was earned. Children can’t earn anything— so thus they are insignificant to the processes of life. These were probably the classic guys who would see a day fishing with their boy as a waste. How dumb could they be— right Jason Yoder? :-)

Jesus abruptly corrects his disciples. (v. 14)

Jesus addresses this pretty quickly:

Matthew 19:14 NIV

14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

This verse— this story is so important to the kingdom of God— that it’s recorded in your bible— right there in Matthew, but also in Mark and in Luke. These stories and narratives that are included in 3 or 4 of the gospels— those are special texts. Another gospel writer reports that Jesus said “Leave them alone— let them come”...

I think we can all agree that Jesus has a tender spot in his heart for children. And we should too.

Let them come— don’t hold them back— and then he describes them— do you see it?

For the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these… Think about that for a moment. Jesus names a quality that most children possess— trust, creativity, innocence. They willingly accept people, giving mercy. It’s easy for them to believe in God.

Jesus states that the kingdom of heaven belongs to children.

The very traits that the culture or the religious people would think that make children insignificant:

They don’t understand much. They are unlearned.

They don’t have power. They are meek.

They don’t have status or wealth. They are poor.

They are hungry and thirsty for righteousness

They are peacemakers, merciful, pure in heart.

They are exactly what Jesus describes back in chapter 5 as the very people who will possess the Kingdom of heaven.

Children are wonderful examples of the Beatitudes! (see Matt. 5)

And Jesus proceeds to bless each and every one of them in their midst!

Matthew 19:15 NIV

15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

Jesus blesses all the children by praying for them and laying hands on them. (v.15)